Remove yourself from Merkle (Merkury): steps, timeline, and what comes back (2026)

Delist · Updated August 28, 2026 · Corrections

Most relevant if this is you: Privacy for high-net-worth households

What is Merkle (Merkury)?

Part of Dentsu; a marketing-data and identity-resolution broker whose products (DataSource, Identity, M1, Merkury) cover most of the US adult population, built by combining data supplied by other companies. Sells/shares consumer audience and identity data in bulk. Unlike consumer people-search sites, Merkle (Merkury) does not offer a public profile lookup, but it still holds and sells your personal data.

What data Merkle (Merkury) has on you

Merkle (Merkury) collects consumer data in bulk for advertisers and data resellers. You cannot look yourself up, but here is what they typically hold:

• full name
• postal address, often going back 10 to 20 years
• email, personal and work where available
• phone, landline and mobile, sourced from commercial providers and public records
• demographics
• commercial/purchase data
• internet/network activity
• location information
• professional/employment data
• inferences/audience segments
• sensitive personal data

Not every profile contains all categories. Depth depends on what public records exist in your jurisdiction and how much commercial data has been linked to your identity. For most adults with any public record history, Merkle (Merkury) has enough to paint a detailed picture.

Prefer it handled for you? Delist finds your Merkle listing, files the opt-out, and re-checks and re-files if it comes back — start with a free scan.

How to opt out of Merkle (Merkury): step by step

1. Go to Merkle's 'Control Your Personal Information in Our Data Products' page and submit a Do Not Sell/Share request
2. Or make requests via the dentsu privacy portal or call 1-877-570-5939
3. Interest-based advertising: use Merkle's browser opt-out (opt-out cookie) and aboutads.info/choices (DAA)
4. Mobile: OS-level IBA opt-out and reset advertising ID
5. Telemarketing: mail the DMA Telephone Preference Service; email: use unsubscribe
6. Note Merkle does not currently honor Do Not Track or universal opt-out mechanisms for IBA

How long does Merkle (Merkury) removal take?

After you complete the opt-out, Merkle (Merkury) typically processes removals within CCPA/state: up to 45 days.

The catch: your data comes back

The most important thing to understand about Merkle (Merkury) removal: it is temporary.

Cookie/device opt-outs are device/browser-specific and lost when cookies cleared/device IDs reset. Repeat on each. DataSource is built from data supplied by other companies, so suppression decays. Merkle is a 'service provider' for client data (won't sell) but a 'business' for its own products. Does not currently accept universal opt-out mechanisms for IBA.

Data can return after an opt-out if the broker later ingests a new record. Whether and when that happens varies by company and source. Periodic checks can catch re-listings; a monitoring service can re-file when supported.

What Merkle (Merkury)'s opt-out does not cover

• Other brokers are not affected. Removing yourself from Merkle (Merkury) does nothing to Merkury, DataSource, M1, or the dozens of other sites where your data is exposed. Each requires its own opt-out.
• Cached copies may persist. Google and other search engines may cache your Merkle (Merkury) profile for days or weeks after it is removed. Use Google's content removal tool to request de-indexing.
• Multiple profiles may exist. If you have lived in multiple states, changed your name, or have multiple phone numbers, Merkle (Merkury) may have built separate profiles for each variation. Search and opt out of each.

Tips for a successful opt-out

Use a dedicated email. Use an alias or a separate account for removal requests. Keeps your primary inbox out of Merkle (Merkury)'s system and keeps confirmation emails organized.

Search every angle. Do not just search by name. Try phone number and email too. You may have more than one listing.

Document the request. Screenshot the confirmation page and save the confirmation email. Useful if you ever need to prove you requested removal.

Frequently asked questions